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[ultrafxr]

Stoopind question...how long do the tires last and are they readily available at dealers?

I pulled my '99 model Bushtec for 6 years before I replaced the tires.  Shipped everything to Bushtec for new tires, tubes, wheel bearings.  No idea of the mileage but many, many road trips.  I'd estimate at 25k to 30k and tires were not worn out.

Yes they are not readily available but I've never had a problem and the tube can be patched if just have a flat.  If really concerned could just carry a spare tire and tube in the trailer.  I've never bothered to do so.

[Tbone]

Really?  That much?  Damn....

The guy "entertained" an offer of $1500 and declined.  Turned out saying he wouldn't go below $1900.  In fact it sounded like he'd have gone down another $100.00.  That still seemed high to me.

The trailer new is $2395.00.  It's being sold without hitch or harness.  A gent at Bushtec told me the hitch, harness and isolator kit would be $420.00.  For just a couple hundred dollars difference on a four or five year old trailer I'd rather buy it brand new and have the manufacturer's warranty in my back pocket.  Seems hard to justify a new or nearly new price for a trailer half a decade old  .

The really sucky part was that just talking to the guy and looking this one over made me want one.  Maybe it'll wear off.....

Ah, go for it Don, it's not going to wear off and you won't regret it!

[Tbone]

I pulled my '99 model Bushtec for 6 years before I replaced the tires.  Shipped everything to Bushtec for new tires, tubes, wheel bearings.  No idea of the mileage but many, many road trips.  I'd estimate at 25k to 30k and tires were not worn out.

Yes they are not readily available but I've never had a problem and the tube can be patched if just have a flat.  If really concerned could just carry a spare tire and tube in the trailer.  I've never bothered to do so.

When John sold me my trailer in 2002, he threw in a spare tube and told me that the tube would dry rot before I used it.  It's still in the box and carried on every trip, still haven't had an opportunity to use it.

[VAZHOG]

If you keep your tire pressure on your Bushtech at 35 PSI the tires (6ply) will last 50,000 miles. You will never need a spare or look for a tire anywhere.

[VAZHOG]

Really?  That much?  Damn....

The guy "entertained" an offer of $1500 and declined.  Turned out saying he wouldn't go below $1900.  In fact it sounded like he'd have gone down another $100.00.  That still seemed high to me.

The trailer new is $2395.00.  It's being sold without hitch or harness.  A gent at Bushtec told me the hitch, harness and isolator kit would be $420.00.  For just a couple hundred dollars difference on a four or five year old trailer I'd rather buy it brand new and have the manufacturer's warranty in my back pocket.  Seems hard to justify a new or nearly new price for a trailer half a decade old  .

The really sucky part was that just talking to the guy and looking this one over made me want one.  Maybe it'll wear off.....

Go ahead an order and pick it up in Sturgis and have the Hitch installed while you wait.  They will be there waiting on you

[ultrafxr]

Don, be sure to install the isolator in the wiring.  It is just a fancy digital relay system but friend of mine bought a used trailer (not Bushtec) and wired directly into his bikes wiring.  Occassionaly blows a fuse - not good on I-40 at 10 pm running 75mph and no headlights!  And see previous posts about J&P having a wiring connector that plugs inline with your bikes harness so no splicing, etc.

[Twolanerider]

Ah, go for it Don, it's not going to wear off and you won't regret it!

Just couldn't do it on that.  Couldn't make myself pay what would become full sticker price for a four or five year old trailer.

May end up glad I waited though. 

Got more curious about market on these things and stumbled on to a forum for what might only be described as trailer-maniacs.  These guys were as OCD about their bike trailers as we are about the bikes.

In a "4-Sale" section stumbled on to an ad for another Roadstar.  A "GT Version."  Apparently lots of extra trim, rear spoiler, fuller carpet inside, a full set of pouches inside, bra, cooler, bra for the cooler and a few other doo-dads.  New cost on all of it in fall of 2004 was $3569. 

Don't know for sure yet but think I'm going to get it for $2600.00.  Total mileage on the trailer is supposed to be about 1100.  This one is solid black.  Even though potentially $800 or so more up front this one seems a much better deal than the other one for what was essentially no discount from new price at all.

[Twolanerider]

Don, be sure to install the isolator in the wiring.  It is just a fancy digital relay system but friend of mine bought a used trailer (not Bushtec) and wired directly into his bikes wiring.  Occassionaly blows a fuse - not good on I-40 at 10 pm running 75mph and no headlights!  And see previous posts about J&P having a wiring connector that plugs inline with your bikes harness so no splicing, etc.

Thanks Jerry.  I'd seen that mentioned on their website.  Assumed it was a relay pack to do as you describe. 

It is part of the "hitch kit" they advertise so fortunately you kind of get it without even asking if you're getting a hitch and harness.  Isolating the power supply to the external device does seem like a good idea  .

[VAZHOG]

Thanks Jerry.  I'd seen that mentioned on their website.  Assumed it was a relay pack to do as you describe. 

It is part of the "hitch kit" they advertise so fortunately you kind of get it without even asking if you're getting a hitch and harness.  Isolating the power supply to the external device does seem like a good idea  .

Reason for the need is because of the computer (ECM) and EFI systems of later model bikes the more power you draw than was established at the factory it can cause the bike to run rough or shutdown without warning. Also do to cost cutting by the MFG. they have cut down on the gauge (size) of the oem wiring harness. Which will also cause many headache's if you cut and hack up the oem wiring.

Come on Man BUY SOMETHING 

[SBB]

Have had similar experience with the bike trailer behind the pickup.  Have been pulled over twice while pulling it.  Once in a drunk check where everyone was getting pulled over and once for no particular reason other than to get looked over (was told I was "swerving within my lane").

Both times the registration on the truck was all that was needed.  Nothing requested about the trailer at all.  Almost makes a guy wonder about swapping tags from one trailer to the other.... 

Don

FYI
the American Legend I pulled had a tag from another trailer

Is that right NO
Is that easier YES
and less property taxes also

 

[SBB]

I know everyone loves their Bushtec!

I had an American Legend and loved it.

But has anyone heard about how Mike White feels about his in line trailer.

Any negatives on them?

Seems like a neat way to go plus it leans with the bike.

Any comments?

[hard10]

Another question.  How are bike trailers licensed?  Just as small utility trailers?

I'm not sure about elsewhere but here in The Great State you do not need a tag on any trailer (boat, car, motorcycle, utility, enclosed, etc.)

[Twolanerider]

Don

FYI
the American Legend I pulled had a tag from another trailer

Is that right NO
Is that easier YES
and less property taxes also

 

Chip, exactly those same thoughts came to mind.  Of course being the good citizen that I am I would never contemplate sharing my trailer tag between two trailers.  Especially here in a public forum.  That would just wrong, wrong, wrong.  And we don't do wrong things  .

[ultrafxr]

Just couldn't do it on that.  Couldn't make myself pay what would become full sticker price for a four or five year old trailer.

May end up glad I waited though. 

Got more curious about market on these things and stumbled on to a forum for what might only be described as trailer-maniacs.  These guys were as OCD about their bike trailers as we are about the bikes.

In a "4-Sale" section stumbled on to an ad for another Roadstar.  A "GT Version."  Apparently lots of extra trim, rear spoiler, fuller carpet inside, a full set of pouches inside, bra, cooler, bra for the cooler and a few other doo-dads.  New cost on all of it in fall of 2004 was $3569. 

Don't know for sure yet but think I'm going to get it for $2600.00.  Total mileage on the trailer is supposed to be about 1100.  This one is solid black.  Even though potentially $800 or so more up front this one seems a much better deal than the other one for what was essentially no discount from new price at all.

Don, I may be mis-reading your previous posts but just to clarify that if you buy a new trailer from Bushtec it does NOT include the hitch/isolator, etc.  Those items are accessories which you purchase separately.

[hard10]

Wow! I must have opened a can of worms here. 30+ posts since I queried this morning!

AJ